PQ confirms it would wait for Trump to leave office before holding referendum
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to delaying any potential Quebec independence referendum until at least 2029. The decision is framed as a strategic move to avoid political instability during Donald Trump's presidency.
Why it matters
The timing of a potential sovereignty referendum is a major political issue in Canada, with significant implications for national unity and economic stability.
at 8:33 a.m. Last Updated: August 18, 2026 at 11:43 p.m. QUEBEC — The Parti Québécois will deliver on its promise to hold an independence referendum if elected, but not before 2029, party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Tuesday.
His political opponents rapidly fired back, accusing the PQ of setting in motion years of uncertainty and instability in delaying the move, which they say will cost the Quebec economy dearly.
“What this does is spread this thick layer of uncertainty over four years instead of the beginning of a PQ mandate,” Coalition Avenir Québec Leader and Premier Christine Fréchette said in Montreal.
“He has just admitted his project is too risky for Quebec in the current geopolitical climate, but without renouncing it completely,” added Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard . “He’s right about one thing: It’s risky.”
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